Youth In the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Implement Innovative Agribusiness Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture
Lilongwe ,Malawi -GUIDED by the Malabo Declaration and the African Union’s African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE) 2019-2024, youth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region are spearheading innovative agribusiness initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture on the African continent.
The youth shared their inspiring journeys in agribusiness during the African Union African Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) Regional Dialogue for the Southern Africa Region, held from August 1-2, 2024, in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Siyabulela Siya Sokomani, the founder of Treesoe, which runs the Nguni Nursery in South Africa, shared how his organization promotes the growth and use of native South African tree species to support biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. “Nguni Nursery supplies a range of fruit, nut, and ornamental trees and plants, and also provides guidance on agroforestry practices. This way, we contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable land use,” Sokomani told Spiked Online Media.
In Malawi, young innovator and agripreneur Aubrey Julius Taulo is working on a project to replace thin plastic with a natural Luffa sponge, creating eco-friendly products such as handbags, tree seedling tubes, and hotel decorations. “This innovation is helping Malawi create youth self-employment jobs, while also reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability,” Taulo said.
Mathewa Malata, President of the Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi and a board member of the Dzalanyama Catchment Conservation Trust (DCCT), commended Taulo’s efforts, stating, “Given the recent ban on thin plastics, Taulo’s innovation is a step in the right direction. We need more innovators like him to promote sustainable practices in our country.”
These youth-led initiatives in the SADC region demonstrate the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving sustainable agricultural practices and creating green jobs for the next generation. As the African continent continues to prioritize youth empowerment and sustainable development, these inspiring stories serve as a testament to the boundless potential of young African innovators.
